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Evolution of Organic Life in Jaina Biology
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was beginningless and endless with regard to santati (series of issues or species).41
It seems unlikely that men will ever know how life originated, whether it happend only once at many times or whether it might happen again.
The Jain theory of the origin of life is suggestive in this matter that (1) some organic substances were formed from organic substances by the action of physical factors in the environment, (2) they interacted to form more and more complex substances, eventually enzymes and self - reproducing systems “free genes" and (3) "these gencs" diversified and united to form primitive virus like heterotrophs and autotrophs.42 This theory may be plausible and certain parts of it are possibly subject to scientific verification as implied by the statement “Sijjhanti Jattiyā kira iha samvavahararāsimajjão/inti anaivanassaimjjão tattiyā tammi."43
But the Jainācāryas conceive the existence of all types of life: micro-organisms, four quadrates, plants and animals, as beginningless and endless with regard to santati (series of issues or species, 44) as already pointed out.
As regards the principles of organic evolution in Jaina Biology it is suggestive from the study of the anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of plants and animals, their embryonic and genetic histories as outlined in, - Jaina Biology and the manner of distribution of plants and animals over the earth surface and also the statement" sacitta - sitasamsttaḥ setarā miśrāscaikaśastadyonayah" 45 that some principles seem to have been followed in this matter : "Changes in the chromosomes and genes are the raw materials of evolution"48 ; some sort of isolation is necessary for the setting up of new species ; and natural
41. "Samtāim pappa ņāiyā apajjavasiyāvi ya," Uttaradhyayana Sūtra 36.79, etc. 42 Sūtrakstānga II, 3. 54 (Sevala, panaga, etc.) 43. Prajñāpaņāvstti, vide Lokaprakāśa 1. 4th Sarga, v. 58. p. 328. 44. Sec Uttaradhyayana Sūtra 36. 79. etc. 45. Tattvārthadhigama Sūtra II. 33, p. 110.
"Samsāre Jivadamassya trividhasya janmaha etāh sacittadayah sapratipaksa migrascaikaso yonayo bhavanti / tadyathā - sacittăcittä, sitä, uşņā, fitoşpă,
samvstā, vivștä, samVrtavivstā, iti ?" 46. Biology p. 522. JB-34
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